NWA World Heavyweight Title: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair © vs. Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy (2/4/83)

 

A rare heel vs. heel match for the NWA title and a rare Flair vs. someone outside the Von Erich family match in World Class. Kerry comes out before the match and brawls with the Freebirds before he ducks out. Flair would use this to his advantage working over Gordy early but Gordy would hit a couple of big press slams to change the pace. Flair would fight back though and threw Gordy into the turnbuckle where he would hit his big bump that was almost as good as the Flair bump. Flair would then work over the back using a Boston Crab and a half crab to soften him up for a backdrop suplex. Gordy fought back though hitting Flair with a big shot that would send him over the top rope to the floor before going back to work on him as he got back in the ring. This would then turn into a back-and-forth battle with both men looking awesome before Flair locked on the figure-four leglock with Gordy selling hard before turning it over so Flair could break the hold. The battle would continue with both men going at it hard before Gordy would miss a big cross body block hitting the top rope chest first with Flair rolling on him to get the win. Tremendous match and a definite nomination.

Interesting that the match seems to largely be worked with Flair as the face. The pre-match stuff with Kerry ends with him and Flair signaling to each other in a way that suggests that while there is still bad blood between them, the Freebirds are the real issue right now. Flair also works this match totally clean and has the support of the crowd, though Gordy gets a few moments that would appear to be babyface hope spots. In any case, phenomenal match that should be a top 20 pick for me.

The first real disconnect we have had...

 

Terry Gordy vs. Ric Flair

- Flair controls Gordy early on until they start slugging it out and Gordy drops Flair with a couple of bodyslams. Gordy locks in an abodominal stretch but Flair breaks. However, Gordy controls with punches until Flair gives Gordy a low blow. Flair takes over and throws in a Boston Crab and a single leg crab for good measure. Flair tries a back suplex but Gordy catches Flair in a sleeper. Flair ends up on the outside so Gordy maintains control. Flair gets control back and locks in the figure four. Gordy escapes and is right up with no damage. After a whip to the ropes, Gordy tries a body pres, misses Flair and hits his throat on the top rope so Flair gets the three count. This match was enjoyable to watch but hardly representative of the best either have to offer. I think you guys nominated it but I would not be sad if this was left off.